BEN LILLY
Open — Generally open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Road access may become difficult or impossible during periods of heavy snow or spring thaw.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
Harmful algae detected in Quemado and Snow lakes
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake due to the formation of harmful algae blooms.
Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires
Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as weather conditions allow.
About
Ben Lilly Campground sits at 8,012 feet elevation along the banks of Willow Creek in the Gila National Forest's Reserve Ranger District. This small, remote campground offers five developed campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The campground provides an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and cooler summer temperatures away from civilization. Access requires driving approximately 34 miles from Reserve on a combination of Forest Roads 141, 28, and 507. The road is narrow, bumpy dirt in sections and may become difficult or impossible during heavy snow or spring thaw. Some sites can accommodate small to medium trailers, though the rough access road makes this challenging. The campground serves as a trailhead access point for the surrounding wilderness. Facilities are basic: vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water, electricity, or trash service. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all garbage. The nearest water source is at Snow Lake Campground, and Reserve is the closest town for supplies. Night temperatures can drop suddenly even in summer. A 14-day stay limit applies, and pets must be leashed.
Directions
From Reserve, follow New Mexico Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 and follow it to its end at Willow Creek. Follow Forest Road 507 past Willow Creek Campground approximately 2 miles upstream along Willow Creek to Ben Lilly Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 533-6232 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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